Gay marriage ban unconstitutional?

MASSACHUSETTS (WFLX) - Legal experts say a judge's rulings in Massachusetts that the federal law banning gay marriage is unconstitutional could have implications beyond the state if upheld on appeal.

A U.S. District Judge says the Defense of Marriage Act interferes with a state's right to define marriage and denies married gay couples some federal benefits. He ruled in favor of gay couples' rights in two challenges to the law, which the Obama administration has argued for repealing.

The rulings apply to Massachusetts. But, if a higher court with a broader jurisdiction were to hear an appeal and uphold the rulings, their impact would spread.